Take a stroll down Walnut Street in Shadyside to cure all your holiday shopping woes the local way.
Get a locavore jump on the holiday season! TABLE believes in the shop local movement for four reasons. First, when you buy local, you support our local economy.
This helps create jobs, boosts local investment in our streetscapes, and builds greater economic resilience.
Second, you will get better, more personal service than Amazon could ever deliver. Our shopkeepers know you. They see you when you’re out to dinner. They wave to you at the grocery. Plus, they know what’s important to you. All of that comes into play every time you enter their spaces.
Third, you will find a host of special and unique products. Outfox the algorithms that direct your online buying with fresh, original choices! Look for the unique, the unusual, the handmade: all of the things you won’t find in big-box stores.
Fourth, it’s healthier for the planet, and for you! All those blue delivery vans and their cardboard boxes take an environmental toll. Reduce the carbon emissions and packaging waste…and get your steps in by walking around town. You’ll feel better, and you’ll know you’ve done just a little for our the planet as well as for our community.
Shop Shadyside
Moda
This longtime neighborhood anchor carries luxury designers and selects pieces with an editorial edge. Moda stocks for both men and women, offering clothing, unique bags, fragrances, and footwear. Wax London, Isabel Marant, Diesel, Y3, and Marni are some of the brands you’ll find here.
Pursuits
If you’re looking for high-quality name-brands, skip the big corporation and shop this intimate contemporary boutique a few blocks from Walnut Street. Comfortable, unique, and elegant womenswear is the name of the game here, with a great mix of American and international brands like Vine Street and Habitat.
Scribe Fine Papers
Find or create this year’s birthday or holiday cards with the curated care of Scribe. The employees at Scribe make sure you get the exact look and feel you want, working with local designers to make some options and with top makers nationwide. This is also a great spot to find “curious items” as gifts or for your own desk, like ornate paperweights and antique trinket boxes.
Glassworks
Want beyond-the-basic options for your guests and giftees? Glassworks offers tabletop decor and gifts for modern and traditional homes alike. Pick out designer dishes, handmade glasses, and anything else you need to set the perfect table. New collections arrive multiple times per month. They’re also helpful when it comes to creating your dream wedding or bridal registry.
Kards Unlimited
This store is simply put, a mecca of sarcasm in the best way possible. As soon as you step into Kards Unlimited you’ll be greeted by witty coffee mugs, walls of books, and unique cards for all occasions. A perfect way to signal to someone, “I know you and I pay attention,” find collections for all kinds of hyper-specific humor, fandoms, and fixations.
Cheeks
Embrace your own unique style with Cheeks’ lingerie, sleepwear, and hosiery. Whether you want an elegant striped pajama set or lacy underthings, they have it here. Choose from popular brands like Marie Jo, Hanky Panky, PJ Salvage, and Natori. Looking for something new? Talk to a personal lingerie specialist to find what makes you feel confident.
Feathers
Layer your home with fine bedding and linens for your bedroom, bathroom, and dining table. Diverse textures, colors and fibers on offer help you customize your home to your liking. Aside from linens, find luxe Backgammon sets, vanity accessories, robes, small throw rugs, mattresses, and of course, plenty of down items.
Roberta Weissburg Leathers
This local establishment has an established reputation for supplying fine leather goods, jackets/coats, and accessories to Shadyside’s neighborhood. They carry a beautiful selection of Hammitt handbags, classic leather jackets, and modern western-inspired pieces like work coats.
Tile and Designs
This is the place to go before a remodel to get inspired. No matter what your budget for home renovation is, find the ceramic or stone tiles of your dreams — bold, bright, graphic, moody, or minimal. They even have eco-friendly and specialized selections that you won’t find anywhere else, and the experts on staff are helpful in every way.
The Idea Shops
Lee Knox, the owner of Tile and Designs, dreamed of expanding the family business with her daughter, Laura Young. They opened the Idea Shops to source home and garden gift ideas from all over the world and bring them to the Pittsburgh market. Find handmade Parisian jewelry, garden items from European flea markets, hand-painted Italian tables and chairs, and more.
Henne Jewelers
Treat yourself, someone you love, or even find the perfect engagement ring for a proposal thanks to these expert jewelers. They carry something for everyone, for every moment — from dainty everyday gold earrings to vintage estate sale pieces. They’re also a Rolex and Rolex Certified Pre-Owned dealer if you’re looking for a milestone purchase.
Amazing Books and Records
This used book and record shop is newer to Walnut Street but you may recognize their name from their Squirrel Hill and previously-owned Downtown locations. Each day you can shop a buy-three-get-one-free deal on all the merchandise in the store (which is stocked really well so that won’t be a hard quota to meet). Plus, if you stop in on a Thursday or Saturday night, you can shop with a free beer in hand.
Weisshouse
“Great taste” comes to mind when one thinks of Weisshouse. The store has a designer’s touch. Check out their variety of vintage and designer furniture, wall decor, shelving, and other additions to take your home to the next level. Friendly and knowledgeable staff await you, as the store has been family-owned for generations.
Caesar’s Designs
Locally-crafted jewelry is this store’s specialty. Owner Caesar Azzam will work with any design requests you have, and will help to find the best piece for your budget. You can start from scratch to design something new, or redesign, update, and repair what you already have. This is a great place to go to repurpose a jewel from a family heirloom into a wearable modern piece.
Madeleine George
Visit this women’s fashion boutique to find luxe, modern styles that fit most budgets. Some of the store’s featured designers include The Range, Alo, and MOTHER. Looks move from classic leathers and cashmeres, to denim and dressy tops, it’s a great spot to visit for a specific look or for a wardrobe refresh.
S.W Randall Toyes and Giftes
A “wonder emporium” in a sea of cold-aisled national chains, get inspired and find something unique at the city’s oldest and largest specialty toy store. Browse through shelves of Lego sets, action figures, and card games with something for every age and interest.
Picket Fence
All things cozy and sweet live here. Take your little ones to this women’s and kid’s boutique to shop for new clothes, home goods, and toys. Personable assistants will help you search for a unique gift for a friend, child, or yourself. A charm bracelet advent calendar, Thanksgiving table toppers, and cute holiday outfits make this an ideal wintertime stop.
Shadyside Variety Store
Become a kid in a candy store again at the Shadyside Variety Store. This old school fixture on Walnut Street carries specialty seasonal items and everyday essentials. You never know what you might find whether it be an interesting board game, beautiful gift bag, toy set, or outdoor party decoration.
Steel City
Find cozy, elevated Pittsburgh gear on Walnut Street for yourself or your favorite yinzer. High quality fabrics stand out at this beloved black and yellow brand. Think heavyweight sweatshirts, super soft tees, classic denim and hats, and 412-only insider phrases and references expertly laid out among vintage decor.
A Snack During Your Shopping Trip in Shadyside
Soba
Take a seat at Soba’s bar for a quick cocktail and appetizer during your shopping exploration or sit down to a delicious Asian-inspired lunch. Enjoy Tuna Crispy Rice, Kung Pao Mushrooms, and Crispy Tofu as well as a range of dim sums, noodles, and sushi options. You may even treat yourself to a lychee martini or an Asian-inspired mule.
Girasole’s
Try authentic, rustic Italian dishes in the atmosphere of a villa wine cellar. Delight in handmade Potato Gnocchi or Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli during your break from shopping. Perhaps a glass of wine is order, too? Girasole’s menu changes seasonally but there are always classic (and even customizable) options in case you have a picky eater with you.
Coffee Tree Roasters
Sip on a delicious cup of freshly brewed, farm-sourced coffee at this locally-owned coffee shop. Order your favorite latte or tea, take home a bag of freshly roasted beans, and enjoy a selection of local pastries, including vegan and gluten-free options. A great place to bring a friend and catch up on each others’ lives or fuel up for a day of shopping.
Lilith
Puerto Rican and Sicilian flavors come together at this women-owned coastal cuisine restaurant that proudly sources ingredients from local farms. Order the tender filet, fresh oysters, dainty lobster rolls, or the yuca pierogies. Finish your meal with a passionfruit cheesecake, seasonal baked alaska, or a vegan carrot cake.
5801
Find yourself shopping in the evening after work? 5801 has a Happy Hour special every day to accompany your trip out. From 5 to 7 p.m. you can dine in with 50% off appetizers and 25% off wings. It’s the perfect opportunity to split an order of creamy artichoke spinach dip, sweet potato fries, or a big basket of any 3 appetizer options and get that bar food fix.
Prantl’s Bakery
Find everything you would hope to at an old-school Western Pennsylvania bakery at Prantl’s, including seasonal favorites. Their almond tortes are an absolutely standout but it’s also a great place to fill up a box of mismatched single treats to take home post-shopping. If you haven’t tried them yet, add them to your list.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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